The Truest Peace

I remember reading a book while I was in junior high (I think it was Shogun) and one small portion spoke very clearly to me.

A Japanese character explained to a visitor to the island nation that he believed there were three parts to each person: the outer man who is known by everyone, the inner man who is known by a few and the innermost man of all who is known only by the man himself.

This struck me as so true...and so sad.

As a young teenager, I felt that my truest self was virtually unknown and on some levels I wanted to stay that way because of what I knew about that self. I felt so alone.

Soon after that, I learned that God (Who is not bound by the same restrictions that we are) did know me. He knew me with all of my hopes, insecurities, joys and questions and what relief to learn that He loved me in spite of my faults and weaknesses.

To know that I am known and loved by my Creator has given me a vital sense of peace. I easily recall what it was to live without that peace and I never want to go back to that state of mind.

Peace with God is the truest peace of all.

"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ..." Romans 5:1